NComputing makes compact access devices for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and its PN41 barebone unit is built around an 11th Gen Intel Celeron N4500 processor with a fanless design, USB Power Delivery, 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6. For a similar compact, low-power way to run virtual desktops, the closest Thinvent alternatives are the Thinvent Micro 5R thin client for lightweight endpoint use, and the Thinvent Neo S thin client and Thinvent Industrial PC IPC1 for Intel-based deployments.
Ncomputing Device vs Thinvent Alternatives
| Ncomputing PN41 (Barebone) | Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client | Thinvent Neo S Thin Client | Thinvent Industrial PC IPC1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500 (11th Gen) | ARM Cortex A53 | Intel Celeron J1900 (7th Gen) | Intel Celeron N5095A (11th Gen) |
| Cores/Threads | Not stated | 4 cores | 4 cores | 4 cores |
| RAM | Not stated (barebone, no RAM) | 2 GB | 4 GB to 8 GB | 4 GB to 32 GB |
| Storage | Not stated (barebone, no SSD) | 16 GB | 32 GB to 256 GB | 128 GB to 2 TB |
| Form Factor | Mini PC (barebone) | Thin client | Thin client | Industrial PC |
| Wireless | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5 | No WiFi | No WiFi |
| Operating System | Not stated (without Windows) | Thinux Embedded Linux | DOS | DOS |
Key differences
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The IPC1 offers RAM up to 32 GB and SSD storage up to 2 TB, giving more room for multiple virtual sessions than the barebone PN41, which ships without RAM or SSD.
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The Neo S and IPC1 are configurable with 4 GB to 8 GB and 4 GB to 32 GB of RAM respectively, so memory can be matched to the number of users.
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The Micro 5R is a compact ARM-based thin client with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, suited to light, low-power endpoint tasks.
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The PN41 uses an 11th Gen Intel Celeron N4500, while the IPC1 uses the 11th Gen N5095A, a higher-clocked processor in the same generation.
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The PN41 includes WiFi 6 and USB Power Delivery as listed, whereas the Neo S and IPC1 are offered without WiFi.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Thinvent Micro 5R if you need a small, low-power thin client with wireless connectivity for basic virtual desktop access. Choose the Thinvent Industrial PC IPC1 if you need more RAM, larger storage and a rugged industrial form factor for heavier virtual desktop workloads.
